A reaming operation produces finish tears. What is the likely cause?

The occurrence of finish tears during a reaming operation is typically attributed to the condition of the cutting tool being used. When the tip of the reamer is worn, it can become less effective at cutting the material cleanly, leading to imperfections such as finish tears on the surface of the workpiece. A worn tip may not cut as smoothly or uniformly, which can result in tearing rather than a clean finish.

The reamer’s cutting edges must be sharp and undamaged to produce the desired surface finish. If the edges are dulled or rounded due to wear, they can create a tearing effect instead of cleanly shearing the material at the cutting edge, leading to the observed finish tears.

The other options indicate potential issues, such as lubrication, speed, and alignment, but in the context of finish tears specifically related to a reaming operation, the condition of the tool is the primary factor influencing the quality of the surface finish.